Volunteering in Kenya with Projects Abroad is a chance to contribute to the lives of people in need and experience its incredible diversity of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. Although Kenya is the biggest and most advanced economy in east and central Africa, poverty is widespread and about 38% of Kenyans live in a serious state of poverty. Our volunteer projects and internships in Kenya are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a gap year, career break, or summer vacation.

Kenya is a country famed for its diversity and development. Everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families, ancient customs, and modern sensibilities. Having gained independence from Britain in 1963, the country has become established as the dominant economy in the Horn of Africa and is a country filled with hope and exciting development opportunities.

Healthcare and education have improved since independence and volunteers working in schools, care homes, and medical institutions can help this progress to continue.

Staff Profile

Olivia TanuiCountry Director

“Kenya is rolling savannahs, and ambling wildebeest & roadsides peppered with zebra. It is the land of the famous Masai Mara and a people whose history and culture stretch back to the dawn of mankind. See the great Rift Valley which cuts through the landscape, snowcapped Mt Kenya criss-crossing over the equator, arid desert or palm fringed coastline. Kenya is loud, unabashed and brimming with the possibility of adventure – and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a project and make a quantifiable difference is one that should be grabbed with both hands! We would be so happy to have you come and join the Projects Abroad Kenya Family! Karibu Sana!”

Where You Will Live in Kenya with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in the town of Nanyuki, 200km north-east of Nairobi. Here, you could find yourself caring for children in orphanages and kindergartens or aiding young children’s development in schools. Home to multiple tribes, the town is known for its welcoming community, positioning along the equator, lush surroundings, and fresh produce.

All Projects Abroad volunteers in Nanyuki live with local host families. This allows you to experience Kenya from a local’s perspective - a very different world from the often luxurious hotels of the safari industry. Volunteers can also gain a unique perspective by living and working at a national park on our Conservation project.

Kenya is renowned for its magnificent national parks, lush forests, breathtaking mountains, and tribal cultures. Nanyuki as a town encompasses a lot of these unique traits. It is home to the famous Ol Pajeta Conservancy and Ngare Ndare Forest. Mount Kenya presides over the region and there are dozens of hikes you can do to explore the stunning landscape and catch glimpses of wildlife.

Did you know?Many Kenyans believe that it’s unhealthy to drink icy cold drinks, so most drinks are served at room temperature.

Travel and Sightseeing Opportunities in Kenya

Kenya is Africa’s original safari destination and is famed for attracting explorers, adventurers, and travelers for centuries. From the shores of the Indian Ocean with its white sandy beaches and coral reefs to the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya and the wild and vast deserts of the north, Kenya offers travelers a beauty and freedom which is hard to resist.

When you are not working this country will provide you with unlimited opportunities to travel and explore. Our base in Nanyuki lies in the heart of the Laikipia County, making it the ideal destination for adventurous souls seeking to climb to the summit of Kenya’s highest and most renowned mountain, the tallest peaks of which rise 5,199 meters into the sky.

You can also visit the vibrant city of Nairobi. Even though it is a thriving and modern city it has not separated itself from the wilderness that defines Kenya. Nairobi is home to the world’s only urban national park. Just 20 minutes away from the city center you’ll find rhino, lion, buffalo, and more, all living wild and free.

At the end of your placement it’s worth adding on a bit of extra travel time to experience Kenya’s most famous tourist activity, the safari.

Most recent blogs from Kenya

First week of building

Today was the fourth day working on the project in Kenya. Our project is making bathrooms for Vision Star school, because they don't have any. We have made very good progress on our project. There are also four other local construction workers telling us what to do! We work on the project ...Read more

Day 2

Today is my second day at my host families home
! I have met 8 of the people that I will be working with for the next two weeks. I am excited to get started on the project! But before the project starts we had to get some things settled in the office and get a Kenyan phone. We spend our off time at ...Read more

Packing up!

I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and blessed me to go on this trip. In this photo there is a suitcase filled with donations I have been given and gathered. I am extremely excited to distribute these items once I get there. I will also be buying more donations once I get there. It is just ...Read more

Counting Down The Days:)

Hi! I'm Jayda from the US. I will be traveling to Nanyuki, Kenya, where I will be participating in the High School Specials Care & Community Project. As my departure date of July 29 approaches, I get even more excited! This project will allow me to immerse myself in the local culture, living with a host ...Read more